Bozeman mayoral candidates look toward November election

NBC Montana took a look at the candidates hoping to get the chance to run the city of Bozeman. Carson Taylor and John Duncan are the two names you will see as you make your mark on November's ballot. With the election less than a month away we sat down with both candidates.

Tuesday afternoon we met up with John Duncan at City Hall in Bozeman. Duncan has owned J.D. Duncan construction for 15 years. He tells us he has always had an interest in politics, and wants to get more involved in the city. We wanted to know what he feels makes him the best candidate to become mayor.

"I was born and raised in Bozeman. My interest is local politics, local involvement," said Duncan.

We also wanted to know how he is going to work to prepare Bozeman for its short- and long-term future.

"We need to continue with infill in Bozeman, that will help sure up our tax base, it could help alleviate some of the stress on current businesses," said Duncan.

The second name on the election ballot is Carson Taylor. He has been a Bozeman City Commissioner for four years. We met up with him during a meet and greet to find out what he wants to accomplish if elected.

"The important thing for Bozeman is to do what we can to keep the downtown the way it is, work on infrastructure, that we got a little bit behind on. Work on the climate action plan that got put together three years ago," said Taylor.

We also asked why he thinks he is the best candidate for the job.

"I think I have the experience, I think I have the temperament, and have the skills to take Bozeman to the next level," said Taylor.

Whoever is elected in November will not begin their term until 2016. Under city law elected mayors first serve as deputy mayor for two years. Both candidates tell me they feel it is a good thing to take a back seat before taking the reins.

While two are running for mayor, six candidates are competing for two commission seats, one of which is being vacated by Carson Taylor. Chris Mehl is running for re-election. Christina Boyer, Al Kesselheim, I-Ho Pomeroy, Brett Potter and Alisa Voris are all on the ballot.

Copyright 2013 by KECI, KCFW, KTVM. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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